Dec. 23-Feb. 13

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92), one of the great ukiyo-e masters, was an unusually progressive artist for his time. Having studied under Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861), his style is believed to have been later influenced by the techniques of Western artworks, which were then being brought Japan. At first sight, many of Yoshitoshi¡¯s prints appear conventional, but their use of perspective, vivid coloring, attention to detail and realism in character portrayal and composition make them surprisingly unusual examples of ukiyo-e, which favored flat and more symbolic portrayals of subjects.

Around 250 Yoshitoshi prints and paintings are on display for this show, which focuses on his musha-e (samurai art), bijinga (pictures of women), ²â¨­°ì²¹¾± (supernatural beings of Japanese folklore) and historically themed works.

Iwami Art Museum; 5-15 Ariake-cho, Masuda, Shimane. Masuda Stn. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ?1,000. Closed Tue. 0856-31-1860;